Event Round Up: Justice and Emergency Services Reception 2025

Building on the success of last year, we were pleased to elevate our annual reception to a conference, hosting an array of fantastic speakers representing the policing, justice, public safety, government and technology industry. The event was packed with valuable discussions, insights and plenty of chances to connect. To make space for all our speakers and give the conversations the time they deserved, we went with a conference format, featuring keynote talks, a panel discussion, and a fireside chat, all followed by a drinks reception.

To kick off the afternoon, Shiela Flavell, President of techUK, FDM Group, welcomed attendees and gave an overview of the fantastic work accomplished by the Justice and Emergency Services programme; made possible through the dedication of the programme’s Management Committee, working groups, forums and the continued support of techUK members. Sheila also highlighted the important role of strong partnerships and collaboration between industry and public sector to deliver change and innovation.

Next, Carl Kinson, Director of Technology Strategy and Innovation at DXC and our headline sponsor, spoke about the importance of innovation in public safety and emergency services. He emphasised that embracing new technologies is essential for improving how these services operate, helping them respond faster and work more effectively.

Via a recorded message, Mark Thompson, Group Chief Digital and Information Officer at the Ministry of Justice, gave an overview of his new role and priorities, including the MoJ’s ambitions to become a reliable and innovative partner that leverages cutting edge technology.

Following the speeches, the session moved into a panel that featured a thought-provoking conversation between Cinzia Miatto, Programme Manager, techUK, Tony Blaker QPM, Chief of Staff DDaT CC, DCS Claire Hammond, VAWG Programme, National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection, and Ed Preece Interim Chief Operating Officer.

The discussion touched on the soon-to-be published refreshed National Policing Digital Strategy, which plays a crucial role in guiding how to deliver real improvements in public safety. The discussion touched on how it aligns closely with the Government’s Safer Streets Mission, with a strong emphasis on building public trust. The conversation also explored key digital priorities like interoperability, data sharing, and the importance of enabling seamless citizen services, making it easier for the public to engage with the police in a more modern, accessible way.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of interoperability and effective data sharing across police forces, along with the need to overcome barriers that often get in the way, such as outdated legacy systems, inconsistent standards, and cultural differences. PDS outlined the work currently underway to support forces in tackling these challenges, an ambition also mentioned in the Government’s Digital Blueprint.

Another important topic of discussion was the role of the newly established National Centre for Public Protection. Tackling VAWG and championing ‘tech for good’ remain corel priorities for techUK and the JES programme. The Centre is designed to lead a coordinated national response, working closely with key agencies and the criminal justice system to reduce such offences. A central goal is to empower victims to come forward and report crimes, recognising the vital needfor police forces to build trust, ensuring victims feel safe, supported, and confident that their experiences will be taken seriously.

Following this, a fireside chat between Professor Jennifer Rubin, Chief Scientific Adviser, Home Office, and Professor Paul Taylor, National Police Chief Scientific Advisor, Police Chiefs’ Council.

The fireside chat touched on the importance of collaboration and partnership between public and private sector, touching on the Home Office Research, Development and Innovation Strategy, and the National Police Chiefs’ Council Science and Technology Strategy. Both strategies are essential to help policing respond to technological developments, recognising that to achieve Safer streets it’s essential to look ahead and adapt though prediction and innovation.

Moving to the drinks reception, attendees were delighted to hear key note addresses from Richard Clarke, Director General, Safer Streets , Home Office, and Chief Constable Rob Carden, Chair DDaT CC. Both speakers acknowledged the current challenges facing policing and the importance of finding a mechanism to better communicate these challenges to industry, through open forums and art of the possible conversations to bridge the gap.

The Safer Streets reception brought together some important conversations, all pointing to a clear message: creating safer communities isn’t just about what happens on the ground, it’s also about the systems behind the scenes. To reduce crime and build trust, we need digital, data and technology working smoothly in the background. A few things really stood out on the day. First, Safer Streets should be a driver for updating our digital infrastructure, not just changing how we operate. Second, making different systems work well together and interoperable is going to be key to delivering reliable, modern policing over the next few years. In conclusion, the event recognised that for innovation to be successful, we need solid foundations in place, such as good quality data, updated tech, and better-aligned systems.

Justice and Emergency Services Programme activities

The techUK Justice and Emergency Services Programme represents tech firms operating in the public safety, criminal justice, and blue light markets. We create strong relationships between members and public sector customers, encouraging industry engagement, and unlocking innovation. Visit the programme page here.